TIPS to help both Teachers & Parents

Kids, parents and teachers all need two things: love and support! Truth is, we all want what’s best for our children and that means coming together as a team to show them the adults in their lives are behind them, cheering them on and wanting them to flourish.

Former classroom teacher and local mom, Kristen Donegan, has made it her life’s work to support teachers, therein, supporting students. She started a company called Easy Teaching Tools to help teachers in the classroom.

We recently asked Kristen what she wants both teachers and parents to know:

MOMSTOWN: Share with us a bit about you.

KRISTEN: Hey there! I’m Kristen Donegan, former K-2 teacher of 13 years and busy mom to Liv (4 years old) and Kai (16 months). I grew up and taught in Orange County and was lucky enough to spend my last few years in the classroom teaching in San Elijo Hills. I took a break from the classroom to be a mom and running my company Easy Teaching Tools, full-time.

MOMSTOWN: How did you get started with Easy Teaching Tools?

KRISTEN: While I was going to school for my Masters, I was also teaching classes to other teachers in my district and wanted to find a way to monetize the resources and thesis I was creating. It started as a hobby on my tiny little netbook that has evolved into a real company supporting teachers all over the world with time-saving organization resources and professional development to save them time.

MOMSTOWN: What is it about supporting teachers that brings you the most joy?

KRISTEN: My team and I love being able to help teachers solve everyday problems. So many teachers are exhausted, underappreciated, and undervalued. They are given so much to do that it’s nearly impossible to get everything done without it impacting their time with their families. I feel so inspired when I hear teachers say that our online program, Easy Organization Tools, has saved their marriage, given them more time to be present with their own kids, and has allowed them to have hobbies again. I love being able to show teachers that it’s entirely possible to be a great teacher without continuing to sacrifice all of their time.

MOMSTOWN: What has been the greatest struggle you’ve seen in the past year or so that teachers are having to cope with?

KRISTEN: Sadly, so many amazing teachers are leaving the profession because the ever-changing demands are unrealistic and hard to keep up with. I know that teachers' ways of relating to work have changed after the pandemic. So many teachers feel disillusioned, taken advantage of, and easily replaced. From the comments on social media and outright lies from politicians, teachers have simply had enough, and I don't blame them. They love teaching but also want it to be sustainable so they can do the best for their students AND their own families

MOMSTOWN: What advice do you have for parents? What do parents need to know about the lives of teachers?

KRISTEN:Teachers really need you and want to work with you to support your child. My best advice for parents is to remember that teachers aren’t superheroes, they’re human. They’ve been given an impossible task with limited resources and funding. They have feelings and families, too. Since teachers have such big hearts, they’re often working well past contract hours at nights, on weekends, and during unpaid breaks. Sending a friendly note or email goes a long way!

MOMSTOWN: How can parents support their child’s education at home/after school?

KRISTEN: Support what’s going on in the classroom by reading your child’s teacher newsletter so you know about important learning taking place, encourage your child to read every day, and do what you can to ensure that your child is respectful at school. So many of our students have really big feelings so modeling coping strategies at home is the biggest thing you can do to support education from home. While it is often an expected behavior to know how to handle big emotions, it is not a skill we are born with. This is why coping strategies need to be explicitly taught and practiced on a regular basis at home. Kids can be successful at school and at home when they have strong coping strategies in place.

To reach out to Kristen visit EasyTeachingTools.com eliminate your electric bill own your own power increase property value free up cash flow for other projects reduce your carbon footprint qualify for Federal Tax Credit

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